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This verse conteyneth, the illustration and probation of Paules proposition touching the reiection of the Iewes: and the summe of the comparison is this. Euen as in the daies of Elias, all the children of Israell seemed to haue fallen away from the true worshippe of GOD to the adoration of Baal, and yet notwithstanding there were seauen thousand, (though vnknowne to
Elias) that neuer bowed their knee to the Idoll; euen so at this time there is a reseruation of many elect a∣mongst the Iewes, albeit the greater part of them (for the time) are cast away. From this application and com∣parison of the Apostle, this instruction and doctrine offereth it selfe to our consideration, viz. That God is alwaies true and like himselfe and neuer changeth his nature, couenant, promises Psalm. 89. vers. 33 and 38. Romanes 3, 4. 2. Samuel 7.28. And therefore it cannot bee that hee hath wholy reiected all the Iewes. For God is voide of all corruption and alteration in his es∣sence, it can neuer faile but remaineth the same from e∣t••rnity to eternity.
Secondly, he is constant and vnmoueable in his will, he keepeth all his decrees once made, and he neither chang∣eth them nor hath any need so to do.
1. Vse. This serueth notably for our comfort and con∣solation in this life: for Gods decree of election is cer∣taine, & the grace of God in his elect is perpetuall. Rom. 11.30. Ier. 31. ver. 31. Therefore we cannot miscarry.
2. Vse. Whereas God is alwaies like him and vnchange∣able, we must learne hence to be constant, stedfast and vn∣changeable in all duties of piety to God, of sobriety to our selues, and of charity and iustice towards all men: o∣therwise as it is a shrewd and fearefull signe of Bastardy when the child in nothing resembleth the parents, so it is a dangerous signe that wee bee none of the Lords, when we are so ticklish fickle and false in our duties and couenants both to God and men, herein nothing resemb∣ling the Maiesty of God.
V. 5. A remnant through the election of grace.
V. 6. And if it be of grace then it is no more of workes, or els were grace no more grace.